RE

Tuesday 12th January

 

Humanism

 

This half term we will be learning about non-religious world views. 

 

Throughout history there have been non-religious people who have believed that this life is the only life we have, that the universe is a natural phenomenon with no supernatural side, and that we can live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. They have trusted to the scientific method, evidence, and reason to discover truths about the universe and have placed human welfare and happiness at the centre of their ethical decision making.

Today, people who share these beliefs and values are called humanists and this combination of attitudes is called Humanism. Many millions of people in the UK share this way of living and of looking at the world, but many of them have not heard the word ‘humanist’ and don’t realise that it describes what they believe.

 

Starter

• What is special about each of these animals? 
• What is special about humans?
• What can humans do that animals can't?

One thing that is special about humans is our ability to ask questions.

 

Task 1:

• What questions do you think these people might have when doing their job?
• How might the answers to their questions change the world?

 

Examples of questions that have changed the world:

• How can I cure this disease?
• How can I travel faster?
• How can I make the world a fairer place?
• How can I make sure there is enough for everyone to eat?

How did people answer these questions? What inventions did they come up with?

 

What questions would you like to know the answers to? (List 5 questions)

 

Can you think of other questions that, if we could find an answer, would change the world?

If you are struggling think of a problem that exists and think, 'How can we solve it?'

 

Ask an adult in your house what questions in life they would like to know the answers to, compile a list together. Which questions do you think are the most interesting? Do you think the easy questions or difficult questions are more interesting.?

 

Task 2:

Have a go at the activity below, sorting the questions using the subheadings: interesting, boring, easy and difficult.

challenge- can you add another question into each part of the grid?

The most interesting questions are the most difficult to answer? Discuss.

 

Can you prepare a short written answer using the questions and discussions above to help you. Share your work with your teacher on Dojo.